As you might have probably thought, bridging loans are a short term funding option. The reason why the name bridging is used is because the loan will be used in merging the gap between a debt coming due. In short, the use of bridging loans or bridging finance as is commonly referred is a way of acquiring financing in a short timeframe and for a pressing matter. In most cases the pressing matter that will necessitate a bridging loan is a mortgage.

Just how does this loan work?

A bridging loan is used to help a person be able to complete a property purchase prior to them selling their existing property. This is common when shifting properties to move to a much larger house or moving to a new location. This is the reason the loan is of invaluable help as without it, a new property purchase would not be possible.

Although the financing that is made through the loan is of much help to the person in need, the loan is somewhat expensive when compared to normal loans as the time that the funding is required is short and of great importance. The bridging financing is said to be quite expensive as the rate of interest the money accrues is quite high.

• Where else could you expect to see the use of bridging loans in high numbers?

• When there are gaps in completion dates of a property

• When buying at an auction without cash at hand or the financing necessary to buy

• When needing to sell a property quickly after renovation.

Following the financial crisis that brought the world economy to its knees, banks are quite reluctant to lend as most of the customers are seen as high risk vendors. To avert this, use of bridging loans is becoming quite poplar as the money is only lent for a very short period and it comes back with quite a handsome interest.

For most lenders that qualify for the normal loans, it is advisable to take these loans as the alternative that is bridge financing is a very expensive affair. Income institutions, a monthly fee of 1.5% per month is charged, making the sum total be 18%, not to mention administration fees.

Among the people who are recommended to make use of the bridge financing include property owners, property developers and a person purchasing a property at an auction which needs proper financing. Some wealthy borrowers who are asset rich and who want to go straight and start lending can also get the financing.

Among the instances where bridging is recommended include: buy to let properties where the income amassed by the property can be used in paying back the high interest. Property investment is also a good way to look at this type of financing. In instances where banks take too long to approve a loan, especially when high amounts are required, bridging loans become the next best available course of action.

In as much as the bandwagon of the people advocating for bridge financing is concerned, it seems to be a fast growing market segment. It is however advisable that prior to signing up for this form of financing, a thorough evaluation of the exit strategy to use is made. Lack of an exit strategy means that you risk foreclosure of the property acquired as you might be unable to meet the monthly repayments of the loan.

Be sure to ask of the different alternative lending options from your financial service provider rather than sign up for the first available financing that is presented to us. If you have never done it, it is advisable to take some time to think through the bridging loans proposal and enquire about the minor details such as the cost of administration fees.

Without trade finance, there wouldn’t be Indian spices, clothes, or jewelry in the United States. Or Apple’s iPhones in China, much less any other international product at any respectable distance from its origin.

In fact, according to Investopedia, the World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that international world trade has expanded 80%-90% thanks to trade finance.

For this to continue, companies need to include trade finance in their business development strategies.

How do you do that? Learn how you can incorporate trade finance into your business development strategy.

Incorporate Inland Trade Finance in Market Penetration and Market Development

Market penetration and market development are key parts of a business development strategy. Market development involves selling more of your service or product to repeat customers.

While market penetration is about expanding your product or service to other cities and provinces, it can involve inland trade finance. As you may have to renegotiate local and provincial trade deals.

For instance, let’s say you sell jewelry. A business from a neighboring city may purchase your jewelry and sell it to its customers.

You have a long history with this client. And know that your product is selling quickly in your customers’ shop. In which case, you could propose selling the client more jewelry for a bulk price.

After negotiating, the client agrees. However, despite the long, positive history you’ve had with the client, the client may not feel comfortable paying you before you export the jewelry.

This is where a trade financier or banking institution comes in, providing a letter of credit promising that you will export the jewelry upon payment.

Consider the Internet and Brick-and-Mortar Stores

If you’re already selling more of your product or service to clients, perhaps it’s time to branch out to another channel such as the Internet?

If you run a successful e-commerce store, maybe it’s time to start a brick-and-mortar store as well?

That way, your customers have more options where to buy your products.

Especially when it comes to brick-and-mortar stores, trade finance can help you secure new import and export trade deals-especially when there are multiple currencies involved.

Creating a New Product or Service for Repeat and New Customers

With repeat customers, you’re doubling the number of products the repeat client is importing.

And, with new clients, your new product or service will expand your client base. It’s important that you first create new products for your repeat customers before jumping to new customers, as it involves more risk.

Again, trade finance can help cultivate more trust during this period of growth. Since trade financiers or banking institutions can create letters of credit, laying out the terms the importer and exporters must follow.

Final Thoughts About Your Business Development Strategy

Know that growth doesn’t happen in a day; it’s harder for businesses to jump from market penetration to supplying new products to new clients.

This is why we recommend that you approach growth slowly. However, know that trade finance may help increase the number of clients you trade with, no matter where they are.

What’s your take on trade finance? How has it helped your business? Share your thoughts, comments and responses with us.

Adam Smith Associates Pvt Ltd is one of India’s leading Trade Finance Company, performing business of arranging finance and providing consultancy, advisory, structuring and management services relating to finance transactions. One of its main expertise is in commodity finance.

Adam Smith Associates work hand in hand with Indian and International corporations and banks to manage complex finance structures.

Its corporate office is located in New Delhi – the capital of India, while one of the branch is at Indore. Internationally its affiliates are based in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Nigeria.

Many startup companies believe that they do not need a lawyer to help them with their business dealings. In the early stages, this may be true. However, as time goes on and your company grows, you will find yourself in situations where it is necessary to hire a business lawyer and begin to understand all the many benefits that come with hiring a lawyer for your legal needs.

The most straightforward approach to avoid any future legal issues is to employ a startup lawyer who is well-versed in your state’s company regulations and best practices. In addition, working with an attorney can help you better understand small company law. So, how can a startup lawyer help you in ensuring that your company’s launch runs smoothly?

They Know What’s Best for You

Lawyers that have experience with startups usually have worked in prestigious law firms, and as general counsel for significant corporations.

Their strategy creates more efficient, responsive, and, ultimately, more successful solutions – relies heavily on this high degree of broad legal and commercial knowledge.

They prioritize learning about a clients’ businesses and interests and obtaining the necessary outcomes as quickly as feasible.

Also, they provide an insider’s viewpoint and an intelligent methodology to produce agile, creative solutions for their clients, based on their many years of expertise as attorneys and experience dealing with corporations.

They Contribute to the Increase in the Value of Your Business

Startup attorneys help represent a wide range of entrepreneurs, operating companies, venture capital firms, and financiers in the education, fashion, finance, health care, internet, social media, technology, real estate, and television sectors.

They specialize in mergers and acquisitions as well as working with companies that have newly entered a market. They also can manage real estate, securities offerings, and SEC compliance, technology transactions, financing, employment, entertainment and media, and commercial contracts, among other things.

Focusing on success must include delivering the highest levels of representation in resolving the legal and business difficulties confronting clients now, tomorrow, and in the future, based on an unwavering dedication to the firm’s fundamental principles of quality, responsiveness, and business-centric service.

Wrapping Up

All in all, introducing a startup business can be overwhelming. You’re already charged with a host of responsibilities in which you’re untrained as a business owner. Legal problems are notoriously difficult to solve, and interpreting “legalese” is sometimes required. Experienced business lawyers know these complexities and can help you navigate them to avoid stumbling blocks.

Although many company owners wait until the last minute to deal with legal issues, they would benefit or profit greatly from hiring an experienced startup lawyer even before they begin. Reputable startup lawyers can give essential legal guidance, assist entrepreneurs in avoiding legal hazards, and improve their prospects of becoming a successful company.